Animal Shelter Assistant (Part-Time)

LIVINGSTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT; Howell (MI); On-site; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

457 Deferred Comp

Paid sick days

Personal time off

Wellness reimbursement

Assistance program

Job summary

Livingston County Government seeks an Animal Shelter Assistant to care for animals, vaccinate, assist with surgeries, and evaluate adoption candidates. You will also interact with visitors and adopters, handling inquiries and complaints with professionalism.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of animal care experience, plus a valid Michigan driver's license and euthanasia/rabies testing certification. Part-time, on-site work with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and one year of experience caring for animals including vaccinations and assisting in surgeries.
• Alternative education/experience combinations may be considered at County discretion.
• Certified to perform euthanasia and rabies testing.
• Michigan Driver's License required.
• Knowledge of shelter animal care, kennel hygiene, and patient handling.
• Strong oral and written communication; good judgment and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Care for animals ensuring welfare and vaccination administration.
• Assist with pre- and post-surgical care and evaluate animals for potential adoptions.
• Provide customer service to visitors, adopters, and respond to complaints.
• Operate in kennel and office environments, following safety procedures.

Skills

Animal care

Vaccinations

Communication

Disaster/ Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or GED

One year animal care experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Animal control software

Job description

Livingston County was named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 6 elected offices, and 3 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Animal Control Director, is responsible for the care and well-being of the animals at the shelter, including but not limited to providing vaccinations, assisting with pre- and post-surgical care, and evaluating animals for potential adoptions. Provides customer service to visitors, potential adopters, and responds to complaints regarding animals and animal bites.

Benefits

• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Paid sick days accrued at 1 hour per every 30 hours worked.
• 4 hours of paid personal time per year.
• Up to $300 annual Wellness reimbursement* & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pro-rated based on the DOH

Pay Rate Information

The Animal Shelter Assistant position is a part-time, non-union position and starting pay is $21.17/hour. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Non-Union Grade 3 Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $26.80/hour. This position is approximately 19 hours per week.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements Include The Following

• High school diploma or GED and one year of experience caring for animals including performing vaccinations, euthanasia and assisting in surgeries.
• The County, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Certified to perform euthanasia and rabies testing.
• Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of shelter animal care and kennel care and cleanliness.
• Knowledge of sanitary procedures and practices, animal behavior, observing and caring for animals, performing vaccinations and humane euthanasia, and pre and post-surgical care of animals.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications and ability to learn software used by animal control.
• Skill in the use of specialized medical equipment including, but not limited to, anesthesia machines, pulse oximeters, and other equipment as needed.
• Ability to attend to duties scheduled at times other than normal business hours.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both in an office and in the kennel area. While in the office, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes.

While performing the kennel-related duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit, stand, walk, run and move freely at any time. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects of up to 40 pounds without assistance and restrain and/or control aggressive animals. The noise level in the work environment may be quiet to very loud. Though applicable safety procedures are documented and utilized, the incumbent may be exposed to unsanitary or unhygienic materials, individuals and situations in the course of performing required duties.